Complaint Number:  10-100757

Date & Time:  May 01, 2010   1400 Hours

Aggravated Assault/False Imprisonment

Incident location:  717 Laurel Avenue

Defendant:   Joshua Graf (D.O.B. 02/15/84)
                               
Charge:  Aggravated Assault and False Imprisonment

Synopsis:  On May 01, 2010 a Venice Police Lieutenant observed a white male running from 717 Laurel Avenue chased by several males.  This subject got into the passenger side of a pickup truck and the vehicle left the area at a high rate of speed.Upon conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle the passenger/victim  stated that he was running from the three males who he encountered at  717 Laurel Avenue.  The victim stated he was there to collect money owed to him for previous work completed at this residence. After being invited in the victim stated he was confined to a rear room where he was threatened with bodily harm.  After hearing that one of the suspects was going to retrieve a firearm the victim ran from the residence.  Two additional subjects are being sought in this investigation

Last night officers were dispatched to a noise disturbance in the area of the 1200 block of Ridgewood Av where numerous residents called to report what they thought were four to five gun shots in the area.  Upon arrival, and after speaking with several different residents in the area of Barbara Drive, they advised the shots had come from directly behind their apartments.  Officers set up a perimeter; the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was summoned and provided a search of the area by air. At the conclusion of our investigation we could not validate gunshots in the area.

Arrested:  Justin Lange Abercrombie 1/25/81
                3368 Orange Rd.
                S.Venice, Florida

Charges:  Premeditated Murder
               Attempted Murder


On this date Venice Police Detectives have arrested Abercrombiei for the listed charges.  The successful outcome of this case was a direct result of not only our department, but with the assistance of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Dept., North Port Police Dept. and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Dept.  

Shark's Tooth Special Olympics Fishing Tournament

When:  Thursday April 8th.

Where:  Marine Max 1485 South Trail, Venice

Time:  Meet at Marine Max 8 a.m. back at Marine Max at 1:30 p.m.

If  you haven't attended this event before, do yourself a favor and join the fun!   The event this year will consist of 24 athletes who will board 15 vessels for a morning of fishing.  When the fishing is over prizes will be awarded, lunch will be served, and the guests will be treated to a Venice Police Department K-9 demonstration.  This is a great event created 8 years ago by Venice Marine Officer Phil Phillips.  If you can please cover this event without doubt it will be worth your time.  

Complaint Number: 10-100585
                                   
Date & Time: Monday   April 5, 2010 at 01:17 hours                                    
Incident Location:  708 Laurel Ave.       
                                                                                                  
Synopsis:  

On 4/5/10 at 01:17 Officers responded to 708 Laurel Ave reference to multiple gunshots.  Officers arrived to find a male victim  sitting in the driveway with a gunshot wound.    A vehicle parked in the driveway  was occupied by  the female victim who suffered severe head trauma from a gunshot.  Fire/Rescue responded and the victims were transported by helicopter to Bayfront Trauma Center.  

This is an active investigation

Complaint Number: 10-100066                                      


Armed Burglary of Vehicle   

Date & Time:  01/12/2010 @ 1718

Incident Location: 312 S SR45

Arrested:  James T Murphy (07/03/66)  


Charge(s):  Armed Burglary of a Conveyance

                Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon

                Grand Theft of a Firearm

                Petit Theft

                Loitering and Prowling

Synopsis:  


Officers were dispatched to a 911 call reporting an individual loitering around cars, pulling on door handles and possibly carrying a handgun in the area of 328 S SR45. His description and direction of travel were broadcast over the radio. Ofc. Peter Sorrentino found an individual matching the description looking through a wallet at 417 S SR45. Ofc. Sorrentino approached  the subject, identified as James Murphy, and took him into custody. A pat-down for weapons revealed a holstered .38 revolver concealed under his shirt in the waistband of his pants. He also possessed a wallet containing a driver’s license and other items belonging to the victim of an auto burglary.
  

Over the past few days, the Venice Police Department has received numerous calls in reference to a scam.
The suspects call the victim, claim to be from the Venice Police Dept, stating that they have 2 females under arrest for using the victim's credit information.  They then try to obtain credit information under the guise of getting a statement. In some cases they have told the victim that an officer will be responding.
They also tell the victim that they have contacted their credit card company and that the credit card company will be calling them back.  
The Venice Police Department will never call any individuals requesting credit card, social security or banking information over the phone. If, we needed such information it would be gained by a face to face meeting with a detective or patrol officer who will have proper credentials.  
If in doubt never hesitate to call the Venice Police Department #486-2444 in order to validate who you are speaking to.   

Incident Location: 1250 Tarpon Center Dr (Higel Marine Basin)

Accused:    Jerome D Brown (DOB 07/02/57): 210 Sago Ln, Nokomis, FL
        Jeremy M Brown (DOB 06/07/81): 210 Sago Ln, Nokomis, FL
        Ronald W Davids (DOB 01/03/48): 10520 Euston Ln, Englewood, FL  

Charge(s):  Fleeing from LEO on a Boat, Loitering & Prowling, Obstruction, Reckless Operation of a Vessel.
        
Synopsis:  

Venice PoliceOfficer Sauchinitz was aware of recent incidents of overnight thefts from boats along the Nokomis waterways. At approximately midnight he overheard the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office responding to a suspicious boat in the Lyons Bay area of Nokomis (just outside the City). He responded to the Higel Marine Park to look for any suspicious boats. He observed a skiff with 4 occupants, absent running lamps and operating suspiciously at or near several boats.

As the boat came within 20 yards of his position, approaching another boat, he called out to the boat, identified himself as a Venice Police Officer and shined his flashlight on himself allowing them to see that he was a uniformed police officer. He instructed the captain to tie the boat to the dock. The occupants all quickly turned their faces away from Sauchinitz and the captain placed the engine in high gear and sped away at a high speed.

Officers set up at the local bridges and the SSO helicopter was called in to search the area. The helicopter located the boat in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) just north of the Albee Rd Bridge. Upon being spotlighted by the helicopter the boat began operating recklessly in an attempt to flee. Three of the occupants jumped from the boat in the area of the Nokomis Boat Ramp and were quickly taken into custody by VPD and SSO units in the area.   

The Venice Police Department wants to alert citizens that we have experienced a rash of daytime residential burglaries.  As of this date we have received approximately 10 complaints.  These burglaries generally have occurred between noon and 6 p.m.  Entry is typically gained  through the rear of the residence.  At this time we believe that the suspects may be watching the neighborhoods, as most have occurred shortly after the resident (s) left the home.  Items taken have been mostly jewelry and cash.

We encourage our citizens to contact our department at 486-2444  to report any suspicious persons or vehicles in their neighborhoods.  Also, if a vehicle is parked within a neighborhood unoccupied and doesn’t belong also notify our department.   

Date & Time: December 11, 2009 1013hrs

Case #: 09-102261

Incident Location: 1454 Gleneagles Dr, Waterford Country Club

Arrested: Wesley M. Johnson 8/14/91 w/m

Charge(s): Attempted vehicle burglary Trespass in a conveyance

Synopsis: Officers were dispatched to the Waterford Golf Club for a vehicle burglary that had just occurred. The victim, an employee of the golf course, reported that when he walked to the parking lot to get some items from his car he noticed a white male sitting in his driver's seat rifling through his belongings. The victim yelled to the man, whom then took off running southbound. During the investigation officers discovered that the suspect, prior to committing the burglary, had filled out an employment application inside the clubhouse and was identified by staff there as matching the same description as that provided by the victim/ employee. The suspect was subsequently arrested at his home in S.Venice. Later in the afternoon a late reported vehicle burglary came in from the same parking lot.

Case Number: 09- 102207

Date & Time: 12/4/09 at 1221 hours

Charge:  Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling                      

Incident Location: 800 blk. Groveland Ave.  

Arrested: Robert J. Spicer 33 years old 340 Azure Rd in S. Venice

Synopsis: Officers responded to a neighbor reporting a suspicious w/m knocking on doors and entering a home just after the residents left. Officers stopped the defendant, who matched the description, as he walking away from the area.  The defendant presented  fliers from a local business stating that he was attempting to solicit work.  During  a search of the suspect, jewelry from the victim's home was found on his person.  Spicer was subsequently arrested for Burglary.

Case Number: 09-102112
                                          
Date & Time:  11/18/09 @ 2130                                    

Incident Location: 450 N SR45A (TJ Maxx)

Armed Robbery
        

Synopsis:  

On 11/17/09, two males dressed in dark clothing with their faces covered entered the business at closing time and ordered the remaining employees and shoppers to the ground at gunpoint. . Several employees were able to escape and run to Sweet Bay where they called 911.

Several of the employees we assisted out of the business claimed the suspects were still inside, along with several employees/customers were also inside. The SSO SWAT team was requested and the perimeter maintained for their arrival.

The building was eventually searched and several more victims removed from within the business. The suspects were not inside the building and are still at large. It is suspected that they fled the business prior to our arrival.

MEDIA UPDATE - At this time we have no additional information.  Some of you have made inquiries regarding reports and the 911 call.  At the completion of this e-mail I will attempt to get that information and decide the best method for distribution..Thanks for your help and patience.  

Venice Police Department to be Recommended for State Law Enforcement Accreditation in October

Members of the Venice Police Department were notified in person on Friday, 8-28-09 that the department will be recommended for State Law Enforcement Accreditation in October of this year.   The administrative conference room was full to capacity with employees of the department as they heard the good news.

The three member assessment team was led by Team Leader Captain Dean Kelly of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and also consisted of Assistant Chief Darryl Daniels, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Ms. Cheryl Turner, Accreditation Manager, City of Altamonte Springs.  The team will present its recommendation to the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. at its meeting in Jacksonville, Florida on October 28, 2009.  The Commission will officially vote on awarding Accreditation to the Venice Police Department at that time.

During the assessment the Team was presented a static display of VPD vehicles and equipment.  During which time a question and answer time with members of the agency was conducted.   The Team reviewed almost 300 accreditation files, personally interviewed employees, participated in ride-alongs with officers and patrolled our waterways with the Marine Unit.

In his closing remarks to department personnel at the exit interview, Captain Kelly commended the members of the Venice Police Department for their willingness to share with “outsiders” the internal operations of our agency.  He also shared that he was impressed that everyone was delighted and willing to contribute information about their job and the department.   In addition, Captain Kelly stressed the importance of City Manager Isaac Turner attending the Entrance Interview and supporting the accreditation process.  

Assistant Chief Daniels and Ms. Turner also expressed favorable comments about the professionalism and dedication of our members.

In acknowledging the recommendation of the assessment team, Chief Williams addressed the attendees of the exit interview by expressing appreciation to the team for volunteering their time and thanking the members of the Venice Police Department for their hard work. The Chief stated we were excited and looking forward to the assessment.  It was a general consensus of “bring it on, we’re ready” by departmental personnel.  

Type of Incident: Marine Incident                                                    

Date & Time: 9-13-09 at 1428 hours

Incident Location: Gulf of Mexico south of the Venice Jetty  

Synopsis: Our agency received a call in reference to a subject in distress that had fallen off a jet ski. Marine Officer Phillips responded and was able to pull the subject from the water. The victim  was treated by EMS at the Crow’s Nest and returned to the North Jetty.  This is one of several successful rescues by our Marine Division in recent months.

SILVER ALERT CANCELED

Mrs. O'Donnell found safe a few blocks from her home.

             SILVER ALERT
Josephine O'Donnell
3/09/1926  83 years of age
Hair: Gray
Eyes: Blue
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 160

Mrs. O'Donnell was last seen at 5:45 am at her residence, #104 Capri Isles Blvd, Venice. She was last seen wearing pajamas with pink robe. She has a  stocky build, has left her residence before but returned in a short duration of time.  O'Donnell suffers from Alzheimer's, but is able to walk long distances.

Date / Time:  06-11-2009 /2128hrs

Arrested:  W/M William Stuart Tucker, 11-16-1962

Charge(s):  Residential Burglary / Loitering & Prowling / Petit Theft /
                 2 cts. Possession of a Drug W/O a Prescription

On 08-01-2009, while on patrol in the area of Venice Golf & River Club, Officer Chad Walker located a White SUV backed up against a fence just beyond the paved roadway.  Upon running the vehicle registration, it was found to be registered to William S. Tucker.  Officers also found that the vehicle was still warm. With this information, Officer Walker and Officer Matthew Sauchinitz recalled a recent Patrol Request involving a stalking complaint in the area.  Upon checking the previous complaint they found that Tucker was a possible suspect. Additional Officers were called to the scene to search for the suspect who was subsequently found walking in the area. The on-scene investigation revealed that Tucker was in possession of items belonging to the victim’s family.

ACCREDITATION TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT
Venice Police Department

City of Venice:  A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive Tuesday, August 25, 2009 to examine all aspects of the Venice Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Julie Williams announced today.  The Venice Police Department has to comply with approximately 259 standards in order to receive accredited status.  Many of the 259 standards are critical to life, health and safety issues.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team.  Comments must be in writing and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CFA standards.  A copy of the standards is available through the Venice Police Department’s Public Information Officer at 941-486-2444.

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the Venice Police Department’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write:  CFA, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, Florida, 32817, or e-mail to info@flaccreditation.org.

The Accreditation Manager for Venice Police Department is Lee Lyons.  She said the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies.  The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals; and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.  The CFA Assessment Team Leader is Captain Dean Kelly, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Other team members are Lieutenant Daryl Daniels, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Ms. Cheryl Turner, Altamonte Springs Police Department.

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status.  The Venice Police Department’s accreditation is for 3 years.  Verification by the team that the Venice Police Department meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation--a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence, Chief Williams said.

Robbery                                         

Complaint Number: 09 - 101246

Date & Time: 07-01-09 at 1827hrs

Incident Location:   1241 East Venice Avenue, Venice Fl 34292                                      

Arrested:  W/M, Aron Patrick May                               I
                1240 Queen Rd, Venice FL
                 D.O.B. 08/05/83

Charge(s):      1.    Robbery by Sudden Snatching
                      2.    Resisting with Out Violence
                      3.    Possession of Paraphernalia
                      4.    Possession of a Control Substance


                               
Synopsis:  On 7/1/09 Lt. Resch and Sgt. Frangioni were driving west in the 1200 block of East Venice Avenue when Lt. Resch observed an unknown female and male in a physical altercation in the parking lot of 7-11. As both officers were returning to 7-11 the male was observed running west on Venice Ave.  As the officers arrived in the parking lot they observed the female on the ground. The female stated that the male just robbed her. Lt. Resch and Sgt. Frangioni then gave chase to the suspect with Lt. Resch  chasing him down on foot and arresting him.

Aggravated Assault w/ a firearm         

Complaint Number:   # 09-101122

Date & Time:  06-11-2009, 9:28 p.m.

Incident Location:  200 blk. Mestre PL., Venice, FL 34285

Arrested:  W/F Jacqueline G. Aloi-McNamara, 04-27-1965

Charge(s):  Aggravated Assault

Synopsis

On 06-11-2009, at 9:28 pm Officers responded to 200 blk. of Mestre Pl. in reference to a woman being threatened with a shotgun by her daughter-in-law.  Upon arrival, officers found that the suspect was still in the residence.  Officers were able to secure the scene and safely approach and arrest the suspect who was with her 6 year old son. While clearing the residence numerous weapons were located in the Master Bedroom closet.  One of which was the weapon reported to have been used in the Aggravated Assault -  a double barreled sawed-off  shotgun, which was loaded with 2 rounds.

Complaint Number:   # 09-101106

Date & Time:  06-08-2009, 1:18 AM

Incident Location:  500 BLK. The Rialto

Arrested:  Mark Cambell Grobmyer, 04-09-1972

Charge(s):  Grand Theft

Victim:  Marker-4 Restaurant

Synopsis:

On 06-08-2009, at 1:18 AM, Ofc. Bill Long observed a W/M, later identified as Mark C. Grobmyer, riding a golf cart on The Rialto in the area of Venice Regional Medical Center.  Upon stopping him in the parking garage, Grobmyer indicated that he borrowed the cart from a friend at 501 W. Venice  Ave., #201.  This address was not valid and upon further interview, Grobmyer stated that it was an apartment east of the Church of Scientology on W. Venice Ave.  This also was unable to be confirmed.  As the investigation continued Ofc. Long took Grobmyer to point out the address of his “friend” from whom he borrowed the cart.  At this point, Grobmyer refused to provide any further information.  Failing to dispel Ofc. Long’s fear of criminal activity, Grobmyer was placed under arrest for Loitering & Prowling at 4:37 am  Grobmyer then divulged that he took the cart from Marker-4 Restaurant.  Contact was made with the owner, who requested that charges be filed.

Complaint Number:   # 09-101102

Date & Time:  06-06-2009, 0251hrs

Incident Location:  1585 Tarpon Center Dr.

Arrested:  Matthew R. Chmielewski, 07-15-1978

Charge(s):  Loitering & Prowling and Resisting Arrest W/O Violence

Synopsis:

On 06-06-2009, at 2:51 am, Ofc.Keith Quick was on routine patrol on Tarpon Center Dr. when he observed a W/M riding a bicycle with two flat tires, carrying a set of golf clubs in a bag, and appearing to be intoxicated.  As he approached the subject, the W/M attempted to evade Ofc. Quick, dropping the golf clubs and bicycle, and fleeing on foot through the condominium parking lot.  

After a brief foot pursuit into the residential apartment area of the condominium complex, the subject surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

Aggravated Assault w/ a deadly weapon / DUI 

Complaint Number(s): # 09-101104 / 09-101105

Date & Time:  06-06-2009, 10:37 pm

Incident Location:  125 Airport Ave,  Venice, FL.

Accused (name, DOB, Race, etc):  
1. Javier Fararoni-Munoz, 12-01-1975 – Agg. Assault
2. Emanuel Fararoni-Munoz, 06-04-1984 - DUI

Synopsis:

On 06-06-2009, at 2237hrs, Ofc. Bill Long was dispatched to an Aggravated Assault at 125 Airport Ave.   One male reportedly threatened a second male with a knife, then left the area in a white SUV.  While Officers were enroute, Ofc. Dan Schuler observed the suspect vehicle leaving the area and stopped it on SR45 at the Circus Bridge.  The investigation resulted in the location of the weapon in the vehicle, and a positive I.D. by the victim  of the passenger / suspect, Javier Fararoni-Munoz.  

Based on the driver’s actions, and as a result of a DUI investigation, Emanuel Fararoni-Munoz was charged with DUI.

Date of Incident:  06/02/2009                                        

Incident Location: 800 blk. Cypress Ave

Accused:   1) 13 year old male
               2) 14 year old female
               3) 16 year old male

Charge(s): 2 juveniles charged with Residential Burglary
              1 juvenile charged with Armed Residential Burglary
              All charged with Marijuana Possession <20 grams
        

Synopsis:  
Neighbors contacted police to report three juveniles observed entering a vacant home in the 800 blk. of Cypress Ave. Officers Whittaker and Quick responded and found a side door had been pried open and overheard voices inside the home. Entry was made and the three arrestees were detained. During the arrest one of the juveniles had what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun in the waistband of his pants, which was later determined to be a look-a-like pellet gun that was fashioned by the juvenile to look more realistic. As a result all parties were taken into custody at gun-point.
The home was apparently being used as an impromptu location to hold a party. Officers found them to be smoking marijuana while playing cards and listening to music.

On today's date at approximately 5:30 p.m. our agency responded to the area of Southlake Ct. and Pinebrook Road in reference to a report of 4 1/2 foot rattlesnake. Attempts were made by officers to capture the snake with a homemade noose provided by a passerby. The snake resisted capture taking an aggressive stance.  Fearing for residents and pedestrians in the area officers blocked north and southbound traffic. Once the scene was secured the onscene supervisor  fired one shot into the snake's head. This was conducted with an emphasis on safety and in accordance with Venice Police Dept. policy.

Date: 05/20/2009

Time: 8:39 pm

Incident Location: 610 South Trail, Venice Fl, 34285 (Shell Gas Station)

Arrested: W/M, Richard Simpson Parrow
Transient, Venice Fl
DOB 05/02/82

Charge: Attempted Murder

Victim: 18 year old male

Synopsis:
On the above date the victim was leaving the Shell gas station at 610 South Trail, Venice Florida after he purchased several items from the store. As the victim exited the store he was approached by the suspect, who he does not know. The suspect approached the victim in a very friendly manner and put out his hand as if to shake it then the suspect stabbed the victim in the neck and ran from the area. As the investigation proceeded the suspect was located and arrested south of the city. The suspect was interviewed and admitted to stabbing the victim, stating that he wanted to kill someone. He further stated that he was, before being intercepted by law enforcement, enroute to Wal-Mart to kill someone at that location.